[imagesource: Reuters]

As the lockdown eases, so too do the travel restrictions.

Before you start planning a holiday, however, international flights aren’t for everyone at this stage.

Only a select few will be able to board a plane and head to another country with relaxed borders.

New travel regulations published on the official South African Government website on June 10, outline the criteria for international travel during the lockdown.

You’ll be allowed, subject to approval, to use overseas travel for the following reasons:

• If you need medical attention for a life-threatening condition
• Evacuation of South African nationals to the Republic
• Repatriation of foreign nationals to their home countries
• South Africans can also travel overseas to return to a place of work or study, or a residence in another country.

Travel is also dependent on the availability of flights to your intended country.

Travel Restrictions For Citizens and Permanent Residents

South African citizens and permanent residents are advised that during the national lockdown, overseas travel is only permitted if they:

• Refrain from non-essential travel to high-risk countries; and
• Exercise caution in relation to any other travel outside the Republic.

You will also need to obtain permission from Home Affairs to travel outside of South Africa.

Here’s how to get the ball rolling.

You’ll need to supply Home Affairs with an application and the following papers at least five working days ahead of your intended departure date.

• A copy of your valid South African passport.
• A letter of confirmation of admissibility or the validity of the visa or permit issued by the relevant diplomatic or consular mission authority of the country that you intend to travel to.
• If you are travelling through another country on the way to your destination you need to provide proof of permission to transit through it.
• Proof of the means of travel and the intended date of departure.

All of this will be authenticated by the Department of Home Affairs when they review your request to leave South Africa.

If you want to return to South Africa during the national state of disaster, you will have to consent to a screening and COVID-19 testing, following which you may have to stay in quarantine or isolation.

You can read the full government regulations, here.

Do yourself a favour and make sure you have ample time to get all of your documents together.

I’d get my application into Home Affairs at least two weeks before I plan to fly, just to be safe.

[source:gov.za]